6.9 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 6, Verse 9

Bhagavad Gita 6.9 marks a significant advancement in Krishna's teachings on yoga, as he introduces the concept of equal vision toward all beings. In this verse, Krishna describes someone who has reached a higher stage of spiritual development - one who regards all types of people with an impartial intellect, regardless of their relationship to the practitioner.

The verse specifically mentions nine categories of people we encounter in our lives: well-wishers (suhṛt) who naturally want good for us, affectionate friends (mitra), enemies (ari) who may cause harm, neutral persons (udāsīna) who take no sides, mediators (madhyastha) between conflicting parties, the envious (dveṣya) who resent us, relatives or well-wishers (bandhu), the pious or righteous (sādhu), and even sinners (pāpeṣu). Krishna states that one who views all these diverse individuals with equal vision (sama-buddhi) is considered far advanced on the spiritual path.

This teaching represents a profound challenge. While earlier stages of spiritual practice might involve seeing material objects like gold and stones with equanimity, seeing all people equally requires a much deeper level of detachment. Most of us naturally categorize people based on how they relate to us or affect our interests - we favor those who help us and distance ourselves from those who oppose us. Krishna challenges us to transcend these instinctive reactions.

The equal vision described here doesn't mean ignoring differences in behavior or character. Rather, it refers to maintaining inner equipoise regardless of how people treat us. A spiritually advanced person recognizes the essential spiritual nature in everyone, beyond temporary roles and actions. They don't judge people based on material considerations or how much personal benefit they provide. Instead, they see each person as a soul on their own journey, connected to the same divine source.

This state of consciousness reflects someone who has moved beyond ego-driven reactions. When we operate from ego, we constantly evaluate others based on whether they support or threaten our plans, desires, and self-image. The truly advanced yogi has released this need to control and manipulate situations. They no longer categorize people as friends or enemies because they've transcended the fundamental attachments that make such distinctions seem important.

Sri Sridhara Swami's commentary emphasizes that one who has achieved this equal vision "excels even the yogi." This suggests that equal vision toward all beings represents a higher achievement than even the physical and mental disciplines of yoga practice. It's the manifestation of a mind that has discovered "unity in the perceived diversity" and can recognize "a subtle rhythm in the obvious discord in the world outside". This person has reached what Krishna calls the "arudha" or advanced stage, having progressed beyond the beginning "arurukshato" stage of yogic practice.

Ultimately, this verse reveals that spiritual advancement isn't measured merely by external practices or physical abilities, but by our capacity to remain undisturbed by the various relationships and interactions we experience. The truly advanced spiritual practitioner maintains inner peace regardless of whether they're dealing with someone who loves them or hates them, helps them or harms them. This equanimity reflects a profound understanding of reality - one that sees beyond temporary roles and relationships to the underlying unity of all beings.